Here you will find important updates in the world of instant runoff voting, other electoral reforms, and events to attend that help spread the word of IRV/RCV in SC.
National Voter Registration Day
Happy National Voter Registration Day!!! If you're not registered to vote, now's a great time! The deadlines are approaching and even if you just think you might want to vote in November, register now so the option exists.
Now is also a great time to request you absentee mail-in ballot if that is how you're voting. Now, unfortunately, there is some uncertainty about how mail-in voting will go this year because of the administration's effort to utilize the post office to ensure non-citizens are not voting. This is still in the hands of the courts and the programmers, but I would encourage you to vote in person if possible. Not only do we have two weeks of early voting, but we also have curbside voting available at every polling location, including early voting sites. If mail-in voting is your option, be sure to follow your absentee ballot online and ensure that it arrives at your county election office.
Useful links:
🗳️Check your voter registration
Mail-In Voting
The Trump administration has been enacting a plan through Executive Order to use the postal service to ensure that no non-citizens are receiving ballots. Critics have cited how difficult such a system would be to implement, especially in the short time frame available. Some states have already begun mailing their absentee ballots to voters. It has been back and forth in the courts for the last few weeks.
Last night, the Supreme Court backed a temporary injunction from a federal judge that stated that the Postal Service has no authority to control mail-in voting. Some Justices left open the door that this could possibly be legal for future elections, but it's simply too late to try to implement it now.
For this election, this effort appears to be dead and mail-in/absentee voting is as safe and reliable as it was during the primaries.
Social Media!
Do you follow us on your favorite platform? Please do! And remember to like, comment, and share. Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Blue Sky, TikTok, and YouTube.
Ever wanted to develop RCV memes? We'd love your ideas! Send 'em our way! Let's get creative! This easy to use form has everything you need.
Great events to get plugged in!
Statewide Strategy Call: September 22, 6:30pm. Our monthly meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month! Join us to recap the month and discuss the future, locally. Join us in Columbia, Charleston, or virtually. Everyone will meet on the call and have a quick recap of what the state of the movement in South Carolina is and then open up the floor.
Outreach Events: Ready to put those skills to good use? We have several events coming up where you can help spread the word about instant runoff/ranked choice voting. Join us at the Universal Unitarian Fall Festival on September 26, the Blythewood Farmers Market on September 30, and Pawlenciaga Fashion and Dog Show on October 10.
Intro to IRV/RCV: September 16, 7pm (held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday). Whether you're new to the instant runoff voting movement or you've been around since the beginning, join us to pick up new knowledge. Plus, you can learn the basics of outreach including best practices for the elevator pitch, social media interactions, and letter to the editors.
Letter to the Editor Training: every 4th Tuesday of the month, 8pm. Join other IRV enthusiasts in crafting letters for your local newsletters. Best practices and strategies will be discussed. All questions answered. By dedicating focused time to writing LTEs on a regular basis, you can help boost the IRV signal in your community and across the country.
IRV Pitch Training: every 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm. Learn how to pitch Instant Runoff Voting when canvassing on the street or at an event from a Rank the Vote National Organizer! We'll talk about best practices, and have opportunities for you to practice in a friendly environment. All questions welcome.
(https://fairvoteaction.org/which-states-and-cities-are-bringing-democracy-to-the-ballot-this-november/)
Plus: A Tale of Two Ballots: Comparing Ranked-Choice and Simple-Plurality Voting in Utah: Utah Foundation
30th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Seeking Game Industry Submissions: Events for Gamers
Why Ranked Choice Voting Meets the Moment in Cities and States: The Renovator
Ranked Choice Voting, Campaign Spending, and Independent Expenditures: An Exploratory Comparative Analysis: SSRN
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Testifies on Her Bills to Clean Up Congress: Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez
Democrats aim to unite behind one candidate in Alaska governor's race as they hope to flip the seat: AP
Municipal Option Bill
The Legislative Session is essentially over (except for the budget). This bill is expected to be reintroduced next session. It would give municipalities more choice and more voice in their elections.
We are looking for:
Cosponsors
We are actively looking for cosponsors for this municipal option bill. The best way to do this is to sit down with legislatures and have a conversation with them about the benefits of IRV. We know that talking to our legislators can be intimidating. If you would like to meet with your elected officials or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We can provide support and guidance.
Municipal Resolutions
Municipalities are directly impacted by our bill, which would give towns and cities the option of using instant runoff voting. We want to show the legislature that this is something that they want. Municipalities can do this by passing resolutions in support of IRV. To learn how, please fill out this interest form.
Speaking Opportunities
When people hear about instant runoff voting, they like it. If you are a part of a group that hosts speakers, please consider a Better Ballot SC speaker. We'd love to spread the word among your network.
Are you looking for a flyer to hang up at your local community board? Or maybe something to handout to people? Check out our Printables!
We have an easy way to get involved! Sign our petition! Show your support of instant runoff voting by signing and sharing. Remember to share it to your social media!
If you like what you've read here and would like us to continue our efforts, please donate. We're building momentum here in South Carolina. Help us continue to educate our fellow South Carolinians. Consider making a monthly contribution. It helps us to better strategize our long term goals.
Thank you for reading,
Nicole Sanchez,
Executive Director, Better Ballot SC
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